Vault Note: Originally written in the mid-2000s, this review explores the legendary unlicensed/import complete series DVD sets that filled a massive gap for G1 fans before complete official domestic releases were available.
Overview
Before diving into the specifics, it is important to clarify that this review covers the complete Generation 1 import release from the Asian market. At the time, Western releases from distributors like Rhino and Metrodome were split across multiple individual season sets. The Asian market took a much more convenient approach by compiling the entire animated series and the 1986 animated movie into a single boxset.
Variant Packaging
There were roughly three main variations of this set released:
- The Classic Wooden Box Edition: The original and most sought-after version came housed in a large wooden crate stamped with a bold Autobot emblem. Inside, it featured the full G1 series (excluding the Scramble City OVA), collector booklets, art postcards, and a random Robotmasters figure (typically G1 Convoy, Lio Convoy, or rarely, the metallic painted variant).
- The Slide-Out Art Booklet Edition: As the wooden box became difficult to find, standard packaging variants emerged. One featured slide-open book packaging with Optimus Prime and Rodimus Prime cover art housing all the discs alongside character bios.
- The Embossed Collector’s Tin: The version reviewed here comes packaged in a heavy tin case embossed with the Autobot logo. Inside, dense foam holds an Autobot keychain alongside an accordion-style disc folder. The folder features artwork from Dreamwave comics—though strangely, it mistakenly includes art from non-G1 eras like The War Within and Robots in Disguise Scourge.
Disc Layout & On-Screen Menus
The silver discs are cleanly printed with Autobot symbols and episode ranges (e.g., Episodes 1–8). Because the inner sleeve holds roughly 100 episodes worth of media, turning the heavy accordion pages takes some care to avoid cracking the disc trays.
The navigation menus are functional, if a bit quirky. Upon loading, an animated Autobot logo brings you to the main screen. While episode selection is straightforward, the secondary settings are hilarious in hindsight—one obscure menu option actually forces the DVD player to power off entirely!
Audio & Picture Quality
The set features the original, iconic English audio tracks featuring the voice cast fans grew up with. As a bonus, you can toggle on the alternate Japanese audio tracks. The Japanese dub is surprisingly loud, but hearing the distinct voice variations for classic characters makes for a fun listen.
Considering the original animation is decades old, the visual presentation holds up remarkably well against modern series. Having the complete 100+ episode run along with Transformers: The Movie (1986) in one continuous collection makes this set a standout piece of fandom history.
Final Verdict
Despite some bizarre menu quirks and mixed-up packaging art, this import set offered something Western fans couldn’t get for years: the ultimate, all-in-one G1 collection. Combined with bonus convention footage on the extra disc, it remains a unique, nostalgic prize for serious collectors.
